Convertible ergonomic solo canoe backrest and portage yoke for bench seats

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a convertible ergonomic backrest and portage yoke for use on a solo canoe bench seat. In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a U-shaped back tube that is pivotably connected to the bench seat. Extending from the upper back part of the back tube are a pair of spaced upper pivot brackets that hold a pivot axle substantially horizontal between them. Coupled to the pivot axle is a pair of spaced shoulder pads. In a seated configuration, the back tube is pivoted to an upright position. In a storage configuration, the back tube pivots downward to the canoe bench seat with shoulder pads positioned between the spaced tube legs of the back tube. In a portage configuration, the shoulder pad assembly is pivoted so that the shoulder pads extend outward from the back tube for ergonomic portage of the solo canoe above the user&#39;s shoulders.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No.63/339,440 filed May 7, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention. The invention relates generally to seats forsmall boats, and more particularly to ergonomic backrests for canoeseats that convert to assist in the carrying of a small boat or canoe.

Description of Related Art. Canoeing is a great solo sport that peopleenjoy around the world. However, the canoe itself has a rather long,heavy, and awkward shape that makes it difficult for a solo user totransport even when using a solo canoe that has a single seat A majorityof time the user must transport the canoe over rough and uneven terrainto a river, stream, or lake they plan to enjoy. Such transport isparticularly dangerous when a user attempts to carry the canoe withoutassistance.

Attempts to overcome this problem are seen in the prior art with limitedsuccess. Devices in the prior art are clamped onto gunwales or the seatof a canoe for transport, and removed and stored while paddling. Solocanoe portage devices of the prior art have several disadvantagesincluding being too heavy (weighing nearly 4 lbs.), taking too long tomount and dismount from the canoe (˜30 seconds), and in a capsize event,they take too long to remove and securely store to prevent loss. Many ofthese devices require mounting the device and removal with each use. Amajority of the prior art devices are not permanently mounted to thecanoe and therefore have the disadvantage of being lost in the waterduring a capsize event.

What is needed is a backrest for a solo canoe bench seat that supportsthe user's low back while paddling. The backrest needs to be light,strong, adjustable, and fold out of the way for transport. The backrestshould remain mounted to the canoe so it can be quickly deployed betweena supportive backrest in a seated configuration and a low-profilestorage configuration. What is needed is a backrest that works as alumbar supportive seat in a seated configuration, as a canoe carryingyoke in a portage configuration, and tucks out of the way in a storageconfiguration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A novel ergonomic convertible backrest for a canoe bench seat addressingthe needs discussed above is disclosed herein.

In one form, a convertible backrest is mounted to the bench seat of acanoe. The convertible backrest is useable as a portage device to carrya solo canoe on a person's shoulders and also serves as a backrest whilepaddling a solo canoe.

In one form, a convertible backrest is secured to a bench seat of acanoe utilizing a pair of lower pivot brackets.

In one form, a convertible backrest pivots about a pivot axis between aseated configuration whereby the convertible backrest is extendedupwards serving as a back support while a user paddles a canoe, and aportage configuration whereby the convertible backrest is pivoted downand whereby the shoulder pads are configured to either rest on a user'sshoulders for ergonomic portage of the canoe, and a storageconfiguration whereby the shoulder pads are tucked within theconvertible backrest for storage.

In one form, the convertible backrest comprises a U-shaped back tubecomprising two tube legs and a base extending between the two tube legs.

In one form, tube legs of the back tube have a thickened wall at thetube leg ends.

In one form, one tube leg of the U-shaped back tube is pivotablyconnected by a lower pivot bracket (hinge bracket) to a canoe bench seatat the tube leg end.

In one form, a second tube leg of the U-shaped back tube is pivotablyconnected to the canoe bench seat by a second lower pivot bracket at thesecond tube leg end.

In one form, the U-shaped back tube pivots about an axis A extendingthrough a tube leg pivot hole at the end of the tube legs of the backtube and through the lower pivot bracket pivot holes that extend throughthe lower pivot brackets.

In one form, a first shoulder pad and a second shoulder pad are fixedlycoupled to a pivot axle.

In one form, an upper pivot bracket extends from the back of theU-shaped back tube.

In one form, the upper pivot brackets are located near the junction ofthe base and tube legs of the U-shaped back tube.

In one form, each upper pivot bracket comprises an upper pivot hole.

In one form, the pivot axle is seated in the upper pivot hole of eachupper pivot bracket along an axis B that extends through each upperpivot hole.

In one form, elastomeric cording holds the convertible backrest flatagainst the bench seat in a storage configuration such as when storingor transporting the canoe. Elastomeric cording also holds the shoulderpads in a deployed position when the canoe is inverted.

In one form, elastomeric cording secures the shoulder pads in a storedposition between the tube legs of the U-shaped back tube when paddling.

In one form, the convertible backrest weighs in the range of 1.8-2.0lbs.

In one form, the convertible backrest takes about 3 seconds to deploy.

In one form, the convertible backrest comprises a pivot strap fixed atand extending from a first lateral side of the bench seat, loopingthrough a pair of pivot strap retainers on the back side of the U-shapedback tube and extending to a second lateral side of the bench seat whereit is fixed.

In one form, the pivot strap comprises a slide buckle to adjust infixation length for angulation adjustment of the U-shaped back tube.

In one form, a back support strap supports a user's back while paddlingand spans between a first tube leg and a second tube leg of the U-shapedback tube.

In one form, the back support strap is secured by a back support strapretainer on the first tube leg and second tube leg of the U-shaped backtube.

In one form, a cylindrical back bumper is positioned over the basesection of the U-shaped back tube to provide additional cushionedsupport to the user during paddling and for cushioned neck comfort whenportaging.

In one form, the convertible backrest shoulder pads can vary indimension, fabric covering, and cushion density.

In one form, the spacing of the upper pivot hole from the U-shaped backtube on the upper pivot brackets is adjustable to change the pitch ofthe deployed shoulder pads relative the the bench seat.

In one form, components of the convertible backrest are secured byvarious techniques known to those in the art including but not limitedto fasteners including rivets, epoxy, MIG welds, and TIG welds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more readily appreciated when considered in connection with thefollowing detailed description and appended drawings, wherein eachdrawing is according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a convertible canoe seat in aseated configuration as might be used during a canoe trip;

FIG. 2 depicts a top perspective view of the convertible canoe seat ofFIG. 1 in a storage configuration;

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the convertible canoe seat ofFIG. 1 in a portage configuration;

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of the convertible canoe seat ofFIG. 1 in a portage configuration and orientated as if the user was touse the device to portage a canoe;

FIG. 5 depicts a top perspective view of various aspects of a U-shapedback tube of the convertible canoe seat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of a lower pivot bracket used tosecure the U-shaped back tube of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 depicts a top perspective view of the U-shaped back tube of theconvertible canoe seat of FIG. 1 with shoulder pads folded down and heldwith elastomeric cording;

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the shoulder pad assembly ofthe convertible canoe seat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of a shoulder pad used in theshoulder pad assembly of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view as an example of a canoe seat onwhich the convertible canoe seat can attach;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view as an example of an alternative canoeseat to which the convertible canoe seat can attach.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a convertible backrest fixed to abench seat of a canoe and further depicts positioning of a user whileportaging the canoe overhead and supported on their when the convertiblebackrest is in a portage configuration.

FIG. 13 depicts a diagram of steps involved when transitioning aconvertible backrest for use between a storage configuration, a seatedconfiguration, and a portage configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with referenceto the Figures. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views. The terminology used in the descriptionpresented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited orrestrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction withdetailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novelfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or which is essential to practicing the invention describedherein.

A novel ergonomic backrest convertible into a canoe carrying yokeaddressing the needs discussed above is disclosed herein. It comprises aconvertible backrest 100, pivotably secured to a typical canoe benchseat 102. In a seated configuration for use during canoe paddling, theconvertible backrest 100 is extended upwards to provide ergonomicsupport of a user's low back when the user is seated on the canoe seatand paddling a solo canoe (FIG. 1 ). In a portage configuration, theconvertible backrest 100 is folded down against the canoe's bench seat102 with shoulder pads deployed and used as a portage device to carry asolo canoe on a person's shoulders (FIGS. 3-4 ). In a storageconfiguration, the convertible backrest 100 is folded down with shoulderpads 154 in a tucked position for storage and transport (FIG. 2 ).Elastic cording can be used to maintain a specific configuration. FIG. 4illustrates the inverted position in which the convertible backrest 100would be positioned with the user's head and neck positioned within theneck access 174, between the shoulder pads 154, shoulders against theshoulder pads 154, and the back of the user's neck against bumpersurface 153, as the user easily carries the canoe 101 overhead on theirshoulders.

Examples of canoe bench seats 102 common in the prior art are depictedin FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 . These bench seats 102 span across a canoe 101and are secured with fasteners to the canoe as depicted in FIG. 10 orfastened to seat hangers 170 on the sides of the canoe. The seatingsection of the bench seat can be a hard support or supported by benchseat webbing 106.

FIG. 1 depicts a convertible backrest 100, pivotably mounted to a commoncanoe bench seat 102. In this configuration, a seat padding base 112such as a hard polymer can be secured over the bench seat with seatpadding 110 with an upward facing padding face 111 secured on top of theseat padding base. A seat padding retainer 114 is utilized to secure theseat padding base 112 and seat padding 110 to the bench seat. The seatpadding retainer 114 can be in the form of a clip (as illustrated inFIG. 1 ), or in other forms common in the art such as fasteners. Theseat padding, seat padding retainer, and seat padding base are optionalelements provided for comfort.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the convertible backrest 100 is secured to thebench seat 102 utilizing a pair of spaced lower pivot brackets 116. Inthis embodiment, the lower pivot brackets 116 (hinge brackets) areU-shaped (FIG. 6 ) with a lower pivot bracket fastening hole 118extending through the pivot bracket anchor face 117 of the bracket tohouse a fastener 167 securing the lower pivot bracket to a top surface103 or other surface of a bench seat 102. Aligned along an axis (axis A)through each bracket leg of the U-shaped lower pivot bracket 116 is alower pivot bracket pivot hole 120 configured to house a pivot pin 169or other fastener therethrough to create a pivoting relationship betweenthe lower pivot bracket 116 and back tube 124. The upright bracket legs119 of the lower pivot bracket define a saddle 122 within which a tubeleg 129 of the U-shaped back tube 124 can be retained. On the base ofthe lower pivot bracket is a pivot bracket anchor face 117 used tosecure against a top surface 103 the bench seat 102.

The convertible backrest 100 pivots about a pivot axis (axis A) betweena seated configuration, storage configuration, and a portageconfiguration. In the seated configuration, the convertible backrest 100is extended and secured upwards (in some embodiments roughly 90-120degrees from horizontal) to serve as a back support while a user paddlesa canoe as depicted in FIG. 1 . In a storage configuration, theconvertible backrest 100 and shoulder pads 154 are pivoted down againstthe canoe seat. In a portage configuration, the convertible backrest 100is pivoted down against the canoe seat while the shoulder pads 154 arepivoted forward towards the front of the canoe with shoulder padspositioned to rest on a user's shoulders for ergonomic portage of thecanoe over the user's head and shoulders as depicted in FIG. 12 . Thecanoe is upside down in the portage configuration.

In this embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 2-7 , the convertible backrest100 comprises a back tube 124 which in this case is U-shaped andcomprises a base 127 section and two opposed tube legs 129 extendingperpendicular from the base. The tubular walls of the opposed tube legsare thickened in some embodiments at the back tube ends. The base 127 isbent backwards (towards pivot axle 139) at first bend 128 on each side.Extending from and fixed to the backside of back tube 124 adjacent firstbend 128 is a back support strap retainer 148 and a pivot strap retainer150 each having a central orifice to hold the respective straps in thedesignated position on the back tube as they loop through.

A pivot strap 180 (depicted in FIG. 1 ) is fixed at and extending from afirst lateral side of the bench seat, looping through the pair of pivotstrap retainers 150 on the back side of the U-shaped back tube 124 andextending to a second lateral side of the bench seat 102 where it isfixed. The pivot strap comprises a slide buckle 178 to adjust fixationlength of the pivot strap 180 for angulation adjustment of the U-shapedback tube 124 relative to the bench seat 102. Back support strap 146 iswider in width (i.e. 2 inches) and extends between the opposed back tubelegs and housed in back support retainers 148. The back support strap146 serves to provide the user an additional level of back supportduring paddling.

Each tube leg 129 of the back tube 124 is connected by the lower pivotbracket 116 (hinge bracket) to a canoe bench seat 102. As further notedin the Figures, a pair of spaced shoulder pads 154 are fixedly coupledto a pivot axle 139. A pair of spaced upper pivot brackets 136 extendfrom the back of the back tube 124. The upper pivot brackets 136 extendbackwards (away from the user when seated) from the tube leg 129 of theback tube 124 just below the base 127 of the back tube 124. Each upperpivot bracket 136 comprises an upper pivot hole 138 whereby the pivotaxle 139 is seated in the upper pivot hole 138 of each upper pivotbracket 136 along an axis B. In this embodiment, axis A and axis B aretherefore substantially parallel.

A pivot axle bushing 140 (FIG. 8 ) can be used between the outer surfaceof the pivot axle 139 and the upper pivot hole 138 extending through theupper pivot bracket 136. A pivot axle stop 142, here in the form of aretaining pin, extends through the pivot axle 139 to retain the pivotaxle within the two upper pivot brackets 136. The shoulder pads 154 arefixed to a shoulder pad support plate 158 using fasteners 167 althoughother known techniques in the art can be used. A shoulder pad supportarm 160 is fixed to the shoulder pad support plate 158. Welds 164 orother known techniques such as fasteners can be utilized. The shoulderpad support arm 160 (FIG. 9 ) can include one or more fastener accessholes 166 for driving fasteners 167 therethrough. In addition, theshoulder pad support arm 160 can include a shoulder cord retainer hole168 for securing a shoulder cord therein. At one end of the shoulder padsupport arm 160 is an axle fixation hole 162 extending therethrough forhousing the pivot axle 139. A weld 164 or other known techniques such asfasteners or pins can be used to secure the pivot axle to the should padsupport arm. In preferred embodiments, the shoulder pads are equallyspaced from the midline of the pivot axle with a distance ‘S’ betweenthem as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Distance ‘S’ is suited in length forpassage of a user's head therebetween.

A back bumper 152 illustrated in FIG. 1 is in the form of a foamcylindrical tube in this embodiment and is positioned over the base 127section of the U-shaped back tube 124 to provide additional cushionedback support to the user during paddling and for cushioned neck comfortwhen using in the portage configuration.

Elastomeric cording 176 can be used to hold the convertible backrest 100flat against the bench seat 102 in a storage configuration such as whenstoring or transporting the canoe on a vehicle (FIG. 2 ). Elastomericcording 176 clipped about a cord retainer 172 can also be used to holdthe shoulder pads 154 in a deployed position when the canoe is invertedduring portage thereby keeping shoulder pad faces 155 generally facingand parallel to the ground (FIG. 4 ). In addition, elastomeric cording176 extending from cord retainer holes 130 can be used to secure theshoulder pads 155 in a stored position adjacent the back support strap146 so the shoulder pads don't freely swing when paddling as depicted inFIG. 7 . Elastic cording can be used for other purposes in a convertiblebackrest. For example, in combination with cord retainers they can beused to secure a water bottle next to the seat.

The convertible backrest 100 embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 weighs inthe range of 1.8-2.0 lbs. and requires only about 3 seconds to deploy itto a different configuration. The spacing of the upper pivot hole 138from the U-shaped back tube 124 on the upper pivot brackets 136 isadjustable to change the pitch of the deployed shoulder pads relativethe bench seat.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate various locations where components of theconvertible backrest 100 can abut during various configurations. Forexample, interference can occur between the back support strap 146 andseat padding 110 (if present) at E1. At E2, interference can occurbetween a tube leg 129 of the back tube 124 and the bench seat 102 ofthe canoe 101. At E4, interference can occur between the shoulder padsupport arm 160 and the back tube 124. At E3, interference can occurbetween the back bumper 152 and the seat padding 110.

A method of converting a solo canoe convertible backrest from a storageconfiguration (FIG. 2 ) to a seated configuration then to a portageconfiguration, and back to a storage configuration comprising thefollowing steps. Obtaining a solo canoe having a convertible backrestwith the convertible backrest having a U-shaped back tube with tube legsof the back tube pivotably secured to the bench seat of the solo canoeand wherein a shoulder assembly comprising a pair of spaced shoulderpads anchored to a pivot axle are pivotably coupled to the U-shaped backtube, and wherein the U-shaped back tube is pivoted down against thebench seat of the canoe with the spaced shoulder pads positioned betweenthe tube legs (200). Clearing any cords securing the convertiblebackrest against the canoe bench seat (202). Pivoting the back tube toan upright position (204). Adjusting the length of a pivot strap (206)thereby securing the back tube at a preferred angle for seating comfortto complete the seated configuration (FIG. 1 ). Pivoting the shoulderpads about the axis of the pivot axle (208) such that the shoulder padsextend above the tube legs of the U-shaped back tube. Securing theshoulder pads in this deployed position with cording if present (210).Pivoting the U-shaped back tube towards the bench seat (212) to completethe portage configuration (FIG. 4 ). Releasing any cording holding theshoulder assembly in position. Pivoting the shoulder assembly towardsthe bench seat (216) until returned to the storage configuration (FIG. 2).

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” and “generally”may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertaintythat may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilizedherein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representationmay vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in thebasic function of the subject matter at issue.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with therelevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather thanlimiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosedembodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fallwithin the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible backrest for a solo canoecomprising: a U-shaped back tube; said U-shaped back tube comprising apair of spaced tube legs; said tube legs operable for pivotable couplingto a bench seat of a solo canoe; a pair of spaced upper pivot brackets;said upper pivot brackets extending from said tube legs; a pivot axle;said pivot axle disposed in and extending between said upper pivotbrackets; a pair of spaced shoulder pads; said pair of spaced shoulderpads coupled to said pivot axle; wherein said pair of spaced shoulderpads are angularly pivotable with respect to said U-shaped back tube. 2.The convertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising:a pair of lower pivot brackets; said each lower pivot bracket pivotablycoupled to a terminal end of said U-shaped back tube and operable to fixto a bench seat of a canoe.
 3. The convertible backrest for a solo canoeof claim 1 further comprising: a pair of spaced shoulder pad supportarms; said shoulder pad support arms extending radially from said pivotaxle; and wherein each shoulder pad support arm is coupled to a saidshoulder pad.
 4. The convertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 3further comprising: a base extending between said tube legs in saidU-shaped back tube; wherein said shoulder pad support arms abut saidbase in a portage configuration.
 5. The convertible backrest for a solocanoe of claim 1 further comprising: a base extending between said tubelegs in said U-shaped back tube; a back bumper operable to cushion auser from said U-shaped back tube; wherein said base extends throughsaid back bumper.
 6. The convertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim1 further comprising: a back support strap; said back support strapsecured to said tube legs; and wherein said back support strap extendsbetween said tube legs.
 7. The convertible backrest for a solo canoe ofclaim 1 wherein said pair of spaced shoulder pads are positioned betweensaid tube legs in a seated configuration.
 8. The convertible backrestfor a solo canoe of claim 1 wherein said pair of spaced shoulder padsare positioned between said tube legs in a storage configuration.
 9. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: abase extending between said tube legs in said U-shaped back tube;wherein said pair of spaced shoulder pads extend above said base in aportage configuration.
 10. The convertible backrest for a solo canoe ofclaim 1 wherein said shoulder pads are spaced sufficient for positioninga user's head therebetween during a portage configuration.
 11. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: abench seat of a solo canoe; a shoulder pad face for engaging theshoulder of a user during portage; and wherein said shoulder pad faceabuts said bench seat in a stored configuration.
 12. The convertiblebackrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: a bench seat ofa solo canoe; a shoulder pad face for engaging the shoulder of a userduring portage; and wherein said shoulder pad face faces away from saidbench seat in a portage configuration.
 13. The convertible backrest fora solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: a pivot strap; said pivotstrap extending from said U-shaped back tube; and wherein said pivotstrap limits pivot motion of said U-shaped back tube.
 14. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: afirst bend in each said tube leg; said U-shaped back tube comprising abase extending between said tube legs; wherein consequent to said firstbend in said tube legs, said base is offset from said tube legs.
 15. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: aback support strap; said back support strap extending between said tubelegs; a shoulder pad face on said shoulder pads for engaging theshoulder of a user during portage; and wherein said shoulder pad faceabuts said back support strap in a seated configuration.
 16. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: aback support strap; said back support strap extending between said tubelegs; a shoulder pad face on said shoulder pads for engaging theshoulder of a user during portage; and wherein said shoulder pad faceabuts said back support strap in a storage configuration.
 17. Theconvertible backrest for a solo canoe of claim 1 further comprising: abench seat of a canoe; an elastic cord; a cord retainer fixed to thebottom of said bench seat of said canoe; said elastic cord coupled tosaid shoulder pads; and wherein said elastic cord is bound by said cordretainer in a portage configuration to prevent said shoulder pads frompivoting downward.
 18. A method of converting a solo canoe convertiblebackrest from a storage configuration to a seated configurationcomprising the steps of: obtaining a solo canoe having a convertiblebackrest with a U-shaped back tube with tube legs of the back tubepivotably secured to a bench seat of the solo canoe and wherein ashoulder assembly comprising a pair of spaced shoulder pads anchored toa pivot axle are pivotably coupled to the U-shaped back tube, andwherein the U-shaped back tube is pivoted down against the bench seat ofthe canoe with the spaced shoulder pads positioned between the tubelegs; clearing any cords holding the U-shaped back tube in the pivoteddown position against the bench seat; and pivoting the back tube to anupright position while the spaced shoulder pads remain positionedbetween the tube legs.
 19. A method of converting a solo canoeconvertible backrest from a seated configuration to a portageconfiguration comprising the steps of: obtaining a solo canoe having aconvertible backrest with a U-shaped back tube with tube legs of theback tube pivotably secured to the bench seat of the solo canoe andwherein a shoulder assembly comprising a pair of spaced shoulder padsanchored to a pivot axle are pivotably coupled to the U-shaped backtube, and wherein the U-shaped back tube is pivoted to an uprightposition in relation to the bench seat of the canoe with the spacedshoulder pads positioned between the tube legs; pivoting the shoulderpads about the axis of the pivot axle such that the shoulder pads extendabove the tube legs of the U-shaped back tube; and pivoting the U-shapedback tube towards the bench seat.
 20. A method of converting a solocanoe convertible backrest from a portage configuration to a storageconfiguration comprising the steps of: obtaining a solo canoe having aconvertible backrest with a U-shaped back tube with tube legs of theback tube pivotably secured to the bench seat of the solo canoe andwherein a shoulder assembly comprising a pair of spaced shoulder padsanchored to a pivot axle are pivotably coupled to the U-shaped backtube, and wherein the U-shaped back tube is currently pivoted downagainst the bench seat of the canoe with the spaced shoulder padsextending above the tube legs; clearing any cords holding the U-shapedback tube in the pivoted down position against the bench seat; andpivoting the shoulder assembly towards the bench seat whereby theshoulder pads are seated between the tube legs.